Issued by: Ministry of Safety and Security
MEDIA RELEASE BY MINISTER FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY, SYDNEY MUFAMADI, JANUARY 16, 1996, PRETORIA
My visits to the Province of KwaZulu-Natal during December 1995, as well as my visit to Shobashobane with Deputy President Mbeki on Sunday, January 14, 1996, have again brought into focus the plight of the many thousands of refugees and displaced persons in that province.It is clear to me that the return by all displaced persons in KwaZulu-Natal to their respective homes is an essential element of any attempt to create stability and peace in the province. The SAPS (assisted by the SANDF) has an important role to play in ensuring that displaced people can return safely.To this end it is necessary for the police, together with other role players, to develop a comprehensive plan aimed at the peaceful return to their homes of all victims of political violence.
I have therefore as a first step, directed Commissioner Fivaz to prepare a situation report which provides details relating to the nature and magnitude of the problem
Commissioner Fivaz has been asked to involve the National Intelligence Co-ordinating Committee (NICOC) in obtaining the necessary information.
It is hoped that this report will form the starting point of a much broader initiative which addressed the return of refugees in the province.
The minister of Defence, Mr Joe Modise, Deputy Minister of Intelligence, Mr Joe Nhlanhla, and MEC for Safety and Security in KwaZulu/Natal, Dr Frank Mdlalose have been informed of this initiative.
Enquiries: Mulalo Maxwell Mulaudzi Minister's Spokesperson 082 373 2005